Martha Sutfin, 95, died peacefully on January 1, 2014 in Wheaton.  She was born in Elgin, Illinois on February 22, 1918 to the late Fern Sullivan and William Miller. She was married on August 26, 1936 to Vernon Sutfin who died in 1997. She is also preceded in death by her sister Barbara Sears and her granddaughter Wendy (daughter of her son Charles).  Martha is survived by her four sons John, Charles, George and Bill, eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Martha held a special place in her heart for her daughters-in-law, Candy, Janet, Mary and Gwen, and niece Margaret Bethke-Peirce.  Martha lived in Algonquin (as a child), West Dundee and Wheaton, Illinois.  She was a kind and gentle person and had many close friends.  Martha learned to play the piano at an early age.  Starting as a teenager, Martha taught piano in Dundee for about 50 years.  Some of her students went on to successful careers in music.  She studied music at Sherwood School of Music in Chicago and the University of Illinois.  Martha was one of the founding members of the Dundee Township Historical Society.  Her efforts with others were instrumental in the establishment of the Dundee Township National Historic District.  She helped identify and preserve many historic homes and buildings in Dundee Township.  Martha was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in West Dundee.  She was a Church leader, pianist, organist, and choir director for many years. Martha became a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution later in her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that gifts in memory of Martha Sutfin be made to the Dundee Township Historical Society, 426 Highland Ave., West Dundee, IL 60118 or the First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee, IL 60018.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 17, at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in West Dundee. Please join the family immediately following the service for a luncheon at the church. Condolences may also be given on the Website of Hultgren Funeral Home, in Wheaton, IL (630-668-0027, www.hultgrenfh.com).